Doha, Qatar: The Qatari national football team is set to enhance its chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it faces the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium today, October 14, 2025. 

This match marks the third and final Group A clash in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers. Qatar, competing alongside Oman and the UAE in Group A, is currently second with one point following a goalless draw against Oman. 

The Asian playoffs, held in Jeddah, feature six teams, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia in Group B. These countries reached the playoffs after finishing third and fourth in the previous qualifying round, while teams such as South Korea, Jordan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Japan, and Australia have already secured their spots in the World Cup by finishing first and second in their groups. 

The playoffs consist of single-round matches, with the top winner securing a direct World Cup berth. The two runners-up will compete in a two-legged tie on November 13 and 18, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoffs.

Qatar approaches today’s match against the UAE with great motivation, following a goalless draw against Oman in their opening game, which positioned the team in second place in Group A, with one point secured.